𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐞

Episode 67

Outside the ICU, Gemini stood waiting, holding a clipboard in one hand and a faint smile on his lips. His eyes lit up as soon as he saw Dunk and Joong approaching.

Gemini (with quiet excitement):
“His vitals are stronger today. Increased responsiveness in brain activity. It’s... very promising. I really think he’s close.”

Dunk let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding, a wave of relief washing over him.

Dunk (softly):
“Thank God…”

Joong placed a firm, thankful hand on Gemini’s shoulder.

Joong:
“You’ve been amazing. Thank you for everything.”

Gemini glanced toward the room where Fourth lay, his composed facade softening.

Gemini (quietly, almost to himself):
“I’d do anything to bring him back.”

The house was still. Peaceful. Only the soft ticking of the living room clock echoed in the silence.

Aunt Roma’s bedroom door was slightly ajar. Inside, morning light spilled gently over her form beneath the blanket.
But the blanket was undisturbed.
Her chest didn’t rise.
Her hand lay outside the covers — cold, motionless.

There was no breath left.
No warmth.
Just stillness.

Dunk and Joong remained at the hospital for a while longer. Something had shifted.

Fourth’s fingers had moved.
Once.
Then again — this time stronger.

Dunk had gasped, gently holding his cousin’s hand. He felt the faintest squeeze — enough to bring tears to his eyes.

Dunk (whispering, voice cracking):
“You’re fighting… I knew you would.”

Joong stepped in, hand resting on Dunk’s shoulder.

Joong:
“Let’s head back. You need rest, and Aunt Roma will want to hear the good news.”

Dunk nodded, eyes still misty.

Dunk:
“Yeah… let’s go home.”

The front door opened with ease. Dunk and Joong entered, tired but smiling. Dunk clutched a small box of sweets wrapped in gold paper.

Dunk (calling out joyfully):
“Aunty! Guess what — Fourth moved his fingers today! We got sweets to celebrate—”

His voice faded as he stepped into the living room.
The breakfast table remained untouched. Plates still neatly placed.
A silence hung unnaturally in the air.

Joong (murmuring):
“Maybe she went back to bed…?”

A quiet unease crept in. Dunk rushed toward her room, gently knocking.

Dunk:
“Aunty… it’s us. We’re back.”

He pushed the door open slowly…
…and froze.

Aunt Roma hadn’t moved since the morning.
Her head still rested gently on the pillow, but now her hand had slipped lifelessly over the edge of the bed.

Dunk (choked whisper):
“…Aunty…?”

He stepped closer, eyes widening in horror. He touched her hand — cold.

Dunk (panic rising):
“No… No, no… Joong!”

Joong came running in — the sight before him stopped him cold.
Without a word, he knelt beside Dunk, grabbing his phone.